Doctor Shopping
Doctor Shopping will be Prosecuted in Tampa
The abuse of prescription drugs is a rapidly growing phenomenon in America and has outstripped the use of street drugs such as heroin, cocaine or
marijuana. Some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs according to emergency room reports are:
- Morphine
- Alprazolam or Xanax
- Vicodin, Lorcet or Lortab
- Oxycodone, Oxycontin, Percocet, Percodan
- Methadone
- Clonazepam or Klonopin
- Darvocet or Darvon
- Amphetamines such as Dexedrine or Desoxyn
- Ativan or Lorazepam
- Valium
- Steroids
These drugs all have legitimate medical uses and are legally obtained through prescription by doctors. In order for a valid prescription to be filled, a doctor must see and examine the patient. At that time, the drug can be prescribed provided there is a valid medical reason to do so. Often times, individuals will seek prescriptions in a fraudulent manner by visiting multiple clinics and medical doctors hoping to obtain more pills than they otherwise could. Sometimes, individuals will visit many doctors hoping to find one willing to write prescriptions unlawfully. These practices are called "Doctor Shopping" which constitute a drug crime. Enlisting the assistance of a Tampa drug crime defense attorney is imperative in these types of cases.
What is Doctor Shopping
Withholding information from a practitioner, also known as
"doctor shopping" is a serious crime and is punished severely by the courts in Florida.
Florida Statute 893.13(7)(a)8 requires that a person obtaining a controlled substance from a doctor, inform the doctor of any other controlled substance received from another doctor for similar therapeutic use within the last 30 days.
Violation of the doctor shopping statute is a third degree felony and is punishable by up to five years in prison. Many times we will see a person charged with doctor shopping to also be charged with trafficking. Hessinger & Kilfin Law has significant experience handling doctor shopping and trafficking cases. Our defense team will do everything we can to obtain the best possible resolution on your case. All efforts are made to avoid convictions and incarceration. Treatment options are explored and encouraged on every case if needed.
Any form of prescription fraud and doctor shopping can lead to a loss of freedom. If you have been charged it is important that you act quickly and
contact a Tampa doctor shopping attorney
as soon as possible.